Revolvable canopy having two point suspension

ABSTRACT

A revolvable canopy supported from a base by a two point suspension arrangement. The canopy includes an umbrella having a circumferentially extending edge portion which bears against a base while a swingable arm is attached to the central axis thereof. The swingable arm is journaled to a vertical support post with the lower end of the post being received by the base so as to form the second suspension point. The swingable arm can be swung 360* about the post while the umbrella peripheral edge portion rolls about in a manner to describe a circle upon the base.

lBeeman Jan.8,1974

i 1 REVOLVABLE CANOPY HAVING TWO POINT SUSPENSION [76] Inventor: Archie W. Beeman, PO; Box 245,

Odessa, Tex. 79760 [22] Filed: Aug. 30, 1971 [21 Appl. No.2 175,920

2,466,595 4/1949 Kormun 52/73 3,09l,056 5/1963 La Porte Primary ExaminerPaul R. Gilliam AttorneyMarcus L. Bates [57] ABSTRACT A revolvable canopy supported from a base by a two point suspension arrangement. The canopy includes an umbrella having a circumferentially extending edge portion which bears against a base while a swingable arm is attached to the central axis thereof. The swingable arm is journaled to a vertical support post with the lower end of the post being received by the base so as to form the second suspension point. The swingable arm can be swung 360 about the post while the umbrella peripheral edge portion rolls about in a manner to describe a circle upon the base.

4 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a revolvable canopy structure which is movable 360 about a pivot point, wherein the pivot point is located in an area which is to be protected from the elements.

Preferably, the structure finds its greatest utility in providing protection against the sun and wind to persons seated centrally of the described circle.

The prior art proposes various swingable and tiltable type canopies, many of which describe 360, for utilizing a limited shade arrangementfor selectively providing shade for a larger area. Reference is made to Leeper, Sr,-U.S. Pat. No. 2,974,449 and to La Porte, US Pat. No. 3,09l ,056 for further background of this invention.

The prior art devices which selectively provide shade for limited areas are usually embodied in complex structure of a permanent nature which is costly to fabricate, and which is not readily adaptable for storage bewhich can be readily disassembled and stored when not in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a revolvablecanopy structure having a two point suspension system by which the structure can be supported from ahorizontal base. The structure includes a vertical support post having one end supported by the base and a second end to which there is journaled a swingable arm. The swingable arm is journaled tothe apex of a canopy, which preferably is in the form of an umbrella since it is concave, with one end of the swingable arm being affixed to the apex of the concavity.

The umbrella is defined in area by a circumferentially extending edge portion which is in the form of a rim, so that the rim can make rolling contact with the base to thereby form the second suspension point.

A table, which can be in the form of a lazy-Susan if desired, is positioned above a plurality of chairs, with the chairs being adjustably positioned and supported by the vertical post.

Therefore, a primary object of this invention is the provision of a revolvable canopystructure having a two point suspension system.

Another object os the present invention is to provide a canopy structure revolvably supported at two spaced apart locations, so as to take full advantage of the canopy area.

A further object of this invention is to disclose and provide an umbrella with an eccentric support means and a peripheral support means.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a revolvable canopy structure having a two point suspension means, and which can be readily disassembled and stored.

Another and still further object is the provision of a revolvable canopy structure wherein the canopy is axially supported by an eccentric and peripherally supported by a rim of the canopy. i

These and various other advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description and claims and by referring to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, with some parts thereof being broken away and some of the remaining parts being shown in section, which sets forth the essence of the present invention; 7

FIG. 2 is a schematical top plan view which illustrates an important operative feature of the invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary part crosssectional view of part of the structure of a modification of the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary part crosssectional view of part of the structure of a modification of the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagramatical top plan view of part of an umbrella which can be used in the structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a part cross-sectional representation disclosing one configuration which can be embodied in part of the structure seen in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of part of the structure disclosed in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1, a revolvable canopy structure having a two point suspension arrangement is indicated by the arrow at numeral 10. The structure includes a canopy forming member 11, which for purposes of this disclosure is shown to be in-the form of an umbrella. The effective area of the umbrellais defined by a circumferentially extending edge portion 12 which preferably is in the form of a reinforced circumferentially extending rim for bottom supporting the edge portion of the umbrella from a base 13.

The base preferably is made of concrete, although other foundation or base forming material could be used, as for example, a lawn or a wooden deck.

A vertical post 14 has an upper end portion 15 which terminates in the form of a journal 16. The journal can take on any number of different forms as long as a swingable arm 17 can be swung in an arcuate manner about the vertical post.

Journal means 18 is positioned anywhere along the swingable arm and interconnects the umbrella portion of the canopy structure to the arm by means of a spider l9.

. Sleeve 20 is slidably received in an adjustable manner upon the exterior surface of the vertical post and preferably is provided with a friction locking means which maintains the sleeve at a selected vertical height. Table 21 is positioned at a convenient height above the plurality of seats seen illustrated in the drawing. The table can be adjustably secured to the post in a manner similar to the seats, if desired.

Numeral 22 indicates one of a plurality of panels,

each of which radiate from the spider outwardly into engagement with the rim.

Looking now to the schematical representation of FIG. 2, the base 13 is seen to arbitrarily be in the form of a circular slab of concrete. The vertical post is supported by the concrete at the central vertical axis of the base, while the spider is seen disposed at 15. The rim 12 rolls about a marginal edge portion of the base and describes a diameter 12'. The diameter 12' has a radius which is equivalent to the radius 15' plus the effective horizontal distance as measured between the rim and the apex of the spider. Hence, numeral 15 indicates the circumference described by the spider.

As seen in the modification of FIG. 3, the'journal 16 can be located within or adjacent to the base if desired. This is accomplished by providing the lower marginal end of the post with an outwardly directed shoulder 23 which can be in the form of a heavy annular piece of steel suitably attached to the post as by welding, for example. The shoulder 23 is abuttingly received by the illustrated upper horizontal face presented by a fixed cylinder 24. The cylinder is cemented within the base; and can be recessed rather than protruding above the floor level if desired. Accordingly, it can be said that the lowermost marginal end portion of the vertical post forms a stub which is telescopingly received within the illustrated cylinder so as to form a journal means therewith.

Looking now to the details illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 4, wherein there is disclosed the before mentioned spider 19, which includes a bolt circle formed within the flange 26, with the flange being radially disposed relative to cylinder 27. Axially arranged bolt 28 connects together the central axis of the spider and the upper end portion of the swingable arm 17'. Sufficient tolerance between the cylinder, the bolt, and the depending end of the swingable arm enables the assemblage to function as a journal means.

The opposite end of the swingable arm is in the form of an elbow. The lower terminal end of the elbow is abuttingly received and bottom supported by a plate member 29 which is brought to bear against a similar plate member 30. Bolt 31 maintains the two plates captured in side-by-side relationship so that the various elements may cooperate together to form a journal means. It can be said that swingable arm 17 has a lower marginal end portion in the form of an elbow, with the lower marginal portion of the elbow telescopingly cooperating with the upper marginal end portion of the vertical post so as to form ajournal therebetween or therewith.

Looking now to the details of FIG. 5, the rim 12 of the umbrella is seen to be in the form of a polygon at 111 inasmuch as the various sections 22 have straight edge portions as contrasted to the round edge portion disclosed at 11, and as previously disclosed at 12 in FIG. 1. The flat adjacent sides of the polygon enables any one of the ends of the segments or panels 22 to bear against base 1 3 in a manner which precludes the canopy from being inadvertently moved by moderate wind forces and the like. Hence, FIG. 5 discloses two alternate embodiments of the rim portion of the umbrella.

FIG. 6 discloses adjacent panels 22 having edge portions 32 connected together by means of spaced apart fasteners 33. By fabricating the individual panels 22 in an inverted U-shaped configuration having outwardly converging side walls 32, the edge portions can be mated together by industrial pop rivets" 33 to thereby form a reinforced cantilever structure having ribs radiating from the apex. In addition to providing an attractive appearance, this type simplified structure is both self supporting and inexpensively fabricated.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a marginal peripheral edge portion of the umbrella, with the rim 12 being enclosed by a curved edge portion 34 of a panel 22. This construction adds rigiddity to the rim portion and offers an attractive and simplfied construction in that the curved edge portion can be directly riveted to the rim.

In operation of the embodiment of FIG. 1, persons seated about table 21 will be shaded at high noon, regardless of the position of the swingable arm. However, during the mid-morning and mid-evening portions of the day, the glare and heat of the sun or the force of the wind may become objectionable, whereupon, the rim 12 of the umbrella is pushed with sufficient force to cause the rim to make rolling contact with respect to the base to thereby cause the spider to rotate relative to the swingable arm as the arm rotates relative to the longitudinal axis of the vertical post. This action is continued until the canopy is interposed between the offensive elements and the persons seated at the table.

Upon the approach of the end of the season, or an impending storm, the canopy can be rapidly disassembled for storage. This is best carried out by removing bolt 28 and storing a plurality of umbrellas one within the other so as to provide a stack of umbrellas which occupy a minimum of space.

For long term storage, it may be preferred to detach the umbrella portion of the canopy structure from the remaining support structure and to additionally remove the vertical post from the cylinder located within the base. If desired, the seats and table, along with the swingable post may each be teleseopingly disassembled so as to permit storage in a minimum area.

In geographical locations where strong winds are frequently experienced, it is advisable to provide the rim 12 with a serrated edge portion 111 so that each of the adjacent flats may lay against the base, thereby inc reasing the force required to bring about rolling action between the rim and the base.

I claim:

1. A revolvable canopy structure having a two point suspension arrangement by which it can be supported from a base; said structure comprising:

a verticalpost having opposed end portions; a swingable arm having opposed end portions; and, a canopy having an apex, and an area enclosed and described by a peripheral edge portion;

a spider means affixed to the apex of said canopy;

journal means formed on said spider;

said vertical post having one said opposed end portion adapted to be supported by a base, said swingable arm being in the form of an elbow; journal means by which one said end portion of said swingable arm is affrxed to the remaining said end portion of said vertical post;

said swingable arm having the remaining of said opposed end portions affixed to said journal means of said spider so that said canopy can be rotated relative to said swingable arm; and, said swingable arm can be swung in an areuate manner about said vertical post;

means forming a support rim about the outer periphery of said canopy so as to enable said rim of said canopy to make rolling contact with a base.

2. The structure of claim 1 wherein said umbrella has means by which said canopy can be removed from said swingable arm and said swingable arm can be removed from said vertical post, and said vertical post can be removed from said base.

3,784,250 6 3. The structure of claim 1 and further including a 4. The structure of claim 1 wherein the peripheral plurality of seats radially disposed about said vertical edge portion of the canopy is serrated so as to present post, and a table supported by the vertical ,post in una polygon. derlying relationship to the 'swingable arm. 

1. A revolvable canopy structure having a two point suspension arrangement by which it can be supported from a base; said structure comprising: a vertical post having opposed end portions; a swingable arm having opposed end portions; and, a canopy having an apex, and an area enclosed and described by a peripheral edge portion; a spider means affixed to the apex of said canopy; journal means formed on said spider; said vertical post having one said opposed end portion adapted to be supported by a base, said swingable arm being in the form of an elbow; journal means by which one said end portion of said swingable arm is affixed to the remaining said end portion of said vertical post; said swingable arm having the remaining of said opposed end portions affixed to said journal means of said spider so that said canopy can be rotated relative to said swingable arm; and, said swingable arm can be swung in an arcuate manner about said vertical post; means forming a support rim about the outer periphery of said canopy so as to enable said rim of said canopy to make rolling contact with a base.
 2. The structure of claim 1 wherein said umbrella has means by which said canopy can be removed from said swingable arm and said swingable arm can be removed from said vertical post, and said vertical post can be removed from said base.
 3. The structure of claim 1 and further including a plurality of seats radially disposed about said vertical post, and a table supported by the vertical post in underlying relationship to the swingable arm.
 4. The structure of claim 1 wherein the peripheral edge portion of the canopy is serrated so as to present a polygon. 